Real estate agents showing real estate listings on Cape Cod may require regular security patrol checks of properties, or safety escort services/drive by patrols during open houses and real estate showings, especially if the property has been vacant for an extended period of time.

Security Services for Real Estate Agents

In recent years it has come to light that there are criminals preying on real estate agents themselves and also using real estate showings and open houses as a way to case these properties so they can return later on, steal property from the homes and even come back and scavenge the copper pipes right out of the basement and walls.

Aside from the property itself, real estate agents can also be tempting targets for criminals:

• Many agents are quite successful.
• They frequently dress for success, which means they frequently wear a nice watch or jewelry.
• They show their faces in real estate catalogues. Some criminals convicted of assaulting agents have had real estate magazines and ads confiscated in which they circled the photograph of an attractive female agent.
• They are frequently alone in a house.

How real estate agents can keep themselves safe while showing houses

• Keep your phone on a charger
• Always have the initial meeting at the office
• Never advertise one of your listings as “vacant” or “currently unoccupied.”
• Do a reverse phone search or Google the phone number of your leads to vet them before a meeting.
• Take your own car. Have the client follow you to the showing.
• Leave your property showing itinerary with the office, with the addresses of the properties you plan to show.
• Choose your showing times wisely. Show the home during times when the neighborhood is active.
• Have code words prearranged with co-workers at the office, or with someone else you know will take the call and recognize that you need help.
• Know where the exits are.
• Keep your cell phone in your hand during the showing.
• Park with leaving in mind. Don’t get boxed in.
• Unlock all the deadbolts in the house ahead of the client’s arrival.
• Get a remote control to unlock your car door in case you have to run to it.
• Trust your instincts.

via 25 Realtor Safety Tips

Real Estate Security & Inspections

Private security patrols offer property security and inspection services to property managers, owners, and real estate agents.

All commercial and residential properties are all subject to risk. The risk is higher for unoccupied properties.

Some of these risks include:

• Vandalism
• Theft
• Illegal access
• Squatters
• Graffiti
• Weather and environmental damage

When a property is for sale and trying to find a buyer, there is a lot more at stake than just the cost of repairing or replacing damaged or stolen property.

That’s why we have established standards for our real estate property inspection and security services. Here are just a few of the questions our private security patrol agents will answer during scheduled property patrols:

• Are all the doors and windows locked?
• Are all the systems like water, heat and electricity functioning properly?
• Has there been any weather or vandalism damage to the property?
• Are there any signs of illegal activity on the property?
• Are all signs and notices (if required) properly posted?

All Cape Patrol understands that every property and real estate agent has unique needs. That’s why our security patrols can include customized inspection checklists in addition to our standard property security checks.

To make the security check process as seamless and easy as possible for real estate agents, clients and property owners, our patrol units are equipped to provide all security check reporting with notes and images via email as soon as they are completed. These reports also include electronic GPS mapping and time stamped photos to track our security patrol activities and provide proof of services rendered.

Find out more about security patrols for real estate properties and contact us to request a no-obligation analysis of your property’s security and periodic inspection needs.